If the background picture shows a low, level, flat area, the foreground block should be carved sloping up at the back.
If a flat base is desired, Elmer’s glue is brushed on the bottom inside of the box and sand, gravel, dyed sawdust or other texture is sprinkled on the wet glue, after the figures are glued in place.
The foreground is made from cut-out pictures or from figures and accessories from hobby shops, ten-cent stores or other sources.
There are two methods of using magazine pictures for the foreground figures:
(1) Paste the pictures to index cards or cardboard of similar weight. Use Tri-Tix cement. Put the picture face down on scrap paper; brush or spread a thin but complete coat of Tri-Tix on the back of the picture. Work from the center out, in radiating strokes.
Turning the picture over, place the center of the picture down on the cardboard. Smooth down from the center out. Place piece of waxed or scrap paper over picture, roll down with a linoleum brayer or rolling pin. This helps to remove all air bubbles.
